I love this shop. The staff is great. A great place for anything folksy. I always walk away smiling.
Was looking all over town as a long shot to fix up a uke from the 60s… Got tossed around a while by the big stores then ran into this place. Literally the paragon of a beautifully run business! Amazing staff, amazing store, AMAZING prices! Had all my missing tuners, strings, and even a fret board for less than what others would charge just for strings… I wish I could rate them 6/5 stars…
Fun music shop with a bunch of oddball (and not so oddball) instruments. Great place to stop in and browse for something unique.
Putting an inanimate object ( guitar) in a five day quarantine seemed silly….especially after the tech spent 20 minutes in extremely close contact doing the inspection. The work was fine, the price was fair. The extreme lock down just turned me off….
Friendly staff
I am absolutely incredulous as to how condescendingly I was treated over the phone by this place. I arrived with my Taylor 312-CE looking to trade up and quite likely spend substantial chunk of money. I noticed the posting on the door that read (I may be paraphrasing) “masks required even for those vaccinated.” I have been twice jabbed with Pfizer, but no problem. I get it. I understand it. People may not be fully honest about their status and might contaminate others. I have zero issue complying with the policy The posting also read “do not knock; call to be granted entry” (again, I may be paraphrasing, but this was the gist). I keep a KN-95 with me in the car but couldn’t find it. Maybe it fell behind the seat or something. I ring their number. A woman answers. Convo goes like this: “Hi, I noticed you require masks even for the vaxxed, which I am fully, but I can’t seem to find mine here in my car….I’m here outside….do you happen to have any masks there inside the store that you could pass out to me”? (like logical, sensible merchants across town, the state, the country have in abundance in case you forgot or can’t find yours—sterile ones for the taking in boxes) “If not, I don’t live too far. I can run home, grab one and come back”. The woman on the phone raises her voice and says “NO YOU NEED TO WEAR A MASK” and abruptly hangs up!! Um, I think I got that part and more than amply communicated it back. Wow. And delivered with a tone of voice akin to Mrs. Gulch from Wizard of Oz. I was perfectly polite, acknowledged the policy and was willing to go out of my way to comply. This is not only ridiculously bad policy, but there was not even basic intelligible, lucid communication on her part. Not the conduct of a sound minded individual.
Now, for some background. I have never made any major purchases at Folk Shop. However, I have patronized them over years–even before I moved to Tucson. The first time, I was recording an album visiting from Austin in 2014 and needed a dobro capo. The engineer called around to Guitar Center and few other places. They didn’t even know what a dobro was, much less a dobro capo. Folk Shop to the rescue with a Paul Beard capo, just like the one I had forgotten and left back in TX! I’ve been there since for strings, straps, stainless steel slides etc. Never ever the slightest of problems. What happened today is totally inexcusable. I myself have been fastidious and a stickler about masking and distancing throughout the pandemic, but this kind of post-mandate fanaticism, illogic and outright meanness is beyond the pale. They certainly don’t want my money or any of my future business. To hell with this place. l’ll buy a guitar from Musician’s Friend before stepping foot in there, even though I prefer to shop locally.
Well, over the years I’ve bought, sold, and traded with Paul and really wouldn’t do so again. The last guitar I purchased there had broken tuner barrels and more important, his pricing and moods vary wildly. Certainly lots to look at, but no great shakes in terms of quality or pricing.
Very rude disrespectful because I was asking for a part and I didn’t have a mask and I wasn’t trying to go in the place without permission and they were just very rude very very rude and I didn’t understand I was thrown off by it. Yelling at me for no reason all I wanted was a part I didn’t even try to go into shop told her I’d wait outside because I didn’t have a mask she slams door in my face. So I go get a mask and they won’t even deal with me I was the up most respectful and didn’t deserve that. Very very rude!!! I’ll never do business with them again.
easy to learn fun and keep s u interested in music
Started 4 months ago, having never played before. Am actually playing songs and loving it, thanks to Fletcher Music.
I never thought I would ever be able to play any instrument. Thanks to Daun’s patience, teaching skills, and caring to see that all of her students succeed, here I am actually playing! WOW! I own a Lowrey Marquee and love it. I really miss my in-store classes but thankful for ZOOM! Thanks to Robert Roman and John Riley for making Zoom available.
My friend bought a lovely Lowery Organ in November of this last year…..8 months old. He died 2 months ago, I called Fletcher Music to see about a consignment….they offered us 200.00 !!!! Wow I have a receipt here for 8,649.63 dated November 7 2019….that my friend is some really outrageous depreciation. Run fast from this business, run!
I could not agree more with those who shared these people prey on the elderly. My very elderly father purchased a top of the line organ and had roughly $80k invested in it. I won’t even go into the details of the transaction(s) but he passed away and fletchers sold it on consignment, and I kid you not, the family got 3.7 cents on the dollar for a near new organ. I would love to know who they preyed on next and how much they sold it for (mind you that it sold almost immediately). Draw your own conclusions from this review but we find this entire industry to be utterly despicable.
Takes advantage of the Wealthy elderly. My grandfather was charged over 80k for basic service work on a home use organ.
10. Rainbow Guitars
Address: 2550 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
It’s an actual guitar shop, with people working there that actually play guitar. Not like other places that say “hey, if you can sell used cars, you can sell guitars!” An employee of a different “guitar place” here in Tucson did not know who/what ESP was. They asked me “Is ESP like…. A brand?”
Nice selection of guitar’s. Very friendly staff and responsive. I purchased 2 guitars online. The set up was perfect and I got the string changes I wanted. I will definitely do business with them again.
I was initially put off by the appointment only thing but I’m glad I made one! If you’re in the market for a high end acoustic this is the place to go. Stefin made the experience even better with a breadth of knowledge and a low pressure sales approach. Came home with a beautiful Martin and couldn’t be happier!
Has the sense of everyone there at one point of their lives was or is a musician, but nonetheless the service is quick to help. Always ready to answer any questions you may have. They have just about anything you may be looking for to specific parts to instruments. I love it! Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable to their field/musical expertise. Check ’em out.
Big collection of new and vintage guitars and amps. Didn’t find the Ernie Ball St. Vincent special edition but played a sweet guitar through a killer Vox amp. Don’t expect much customer service.
They fixed the bridge on my Fender acoustic steel string guitar. Finished a week sooner than promised and did a great job.
New business model is pretty inconvenient for anyone looking to drop in for a quick repair question or if they have an item in stock.
Tried calling and got transferred with no answer.
Place is a joke don’t waste your time
Employees don’t help at all
Go up bookmans instead way more friendlier and help full
Don’t go here.
Repair staff was rude and condescending. Acted like my visit was an imposition. I’ll throw my instrument in the garbage before doing business with them.
The fact that they haven’t addressed the numerous bad reviews is indicative of their poor customer service.
11. Low Key Music Entertainment
Address: 2509 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
Great Service! The only place in the US that sells Tannus tires. No more flats!!!
Always helpful…
I was very pleased with my experience at this store. They helped me choose the perfect classical guitar that suited me as well as my sister picking up the acoustic again. They also had a military discount which was a nice surprise as well. I highly recommend this store to everyone else who is looking for a very friendly environment.
Nice ride group, cool folding bikes, very comfortable.
Was happy to know my mint star wars soundtrack albums would be more appreciated
I bout edge fixie there and they were great about helping fix it just forgot to tighten up my from rim is all
They sold me a C trumpet that needed far more repairs than described. It had messy soldering all over it and a 2nd valve slide that was way to long(It was a generic slide someone had previously done a bad repair job on). I’m not sure if this is typically just a guitar shop or what, but wind players, avoid this place. I ended up selling the horn for way less than I paid, because no reasonable person would pay what I did after seeing it up close. Ended up buying a new one from a very knowledgeable store in San Jose. Lost about $400 when all was said and done, but at least I have a horn that functions without needing a copious number of repairs.
I’ve read the experiences of other customers at this store and can’t believe that I am having such a negative experience with these guys! Granted the mistake was made on my part, but after realizing what had happened and returning the instrument in good condition and trying to fix the mistake, my wages were garnished for twice the amount of what the instrument was worth that I had rented! $1315.76 and now two and a half years later after I had paid in full they are trying to garnish my wages again for another $100. All of this was done without communication, I made a mistake after moving to a new house and packing the instrument away and forgot about it. I returned the item when I came across it unpacking immediately without notice. I wasn’t expecting not having to pay something, but to come back after having paid in full and after such a long time makes me wonder if the customers are really the focus of this store!
Over priced. Disappointing
13. L&M Music Center
Address: 4915 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great pricing. Highly recommended
Super friendly staff! My son and I will definitely be back! Thank you again
The tech there is absolutely wonderful, welcoming and kind, I don’t trust anyone else in the world to work on my guitar.
Friendly staff. Stock is usually good and other times they don’t have reeds which requires me to travel further to a different store.
Friendly knowledgeable staff
Took my clarinet in for the simplest repair. Took more then 3 months to get it back.
It’s basically just a repair shop for guitars and amps
John took my bass for a setup about a month ago. He first said it would take about a week. a week later, I called in and he said he was working on it that day. When I came in the towards the end of the following day John had not worked on the instrument at all. Instead of providing customer service, he gave the run around and said it would be done in a week, he said he would call me the following Monday. Havent heard from him since, now i have to find time to go back to retrieve my property and i expect him to give me a hard time based on how he has treated me so far. Wish i could give 0 stars, its been a month.
14. Chicago Music Store
Address: 5646 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
The staff was very friendly and helpful. I love the selection of instruments and I will definitely be coming here again. Thanks Mark!
I love this store. I’ve been shopping here for 40 years. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The store is clean and well-lit. They have a ton of inventory. And I always find what I need. This store is a Tucson treasure.
My experience with the Chicago Music Store on Speedway is a little different than most. I have not even stepped inside the building.
I have a keyboard that has been mine for +20 years and upon moving to Tucson recently the power cable became lost in the shuffle. Of course finding this unmarked cable online or getting the instrument’s manufacturer to identify the needed cable (of a model they no longer make) was no simple task. I was sent the wrong cord and still have a keyboard that I cannot play.
Upon speaking with Kate at the location on Speedway, over the course of several weeks of calling one another, her speaking to multiple reps at the manufacturer, and emails between the two of us, she called me today. She phoned me during my lunch break, which showed me that me and my needs had not become some mundane task at the end of her work day. She had found the right cord and was letting me know that she would be emailing me the information and could also take care of the ordering process for me.
5 stars, Kate, thank you.
I’m confident in where to go if and when I have a music need.
I talked to jim the repair guy and he was super helpful and knew exactly what I was talking about.
Everyone was nice wish they would have returned the product I purchased tho.
Great service, Mark and his team were really helpful!
Worst Music Store in Tucson. Don’t ever buy from them.
Wouldn’t recommend, music is suppose to be fun and the tall white guy doesn’t leave you alone. Let people play in peace. I’ll be going to guitar center where they let you express yourself.
Was doing rent to buy they gave me a broken instrument that didn’t work then I took it back the next day they accused me of breaking it then made me pay a hundred and fifty dollars to fix it even though I didn’t break it
15. Chicago Music Store
Address: 45 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
This is the best store! I have gone in just to look around. The staff is always helpful and friendly!
Their tech guy put a bridge doctor on my acoustic guitar. Looks and sounds great. Good guys.
There’s wonderful service! They will help you find anything you need!
I didn’t know this store moved down the street until after I pulled on the old locations door. The new location is a lot more organized and welcoming. What isn’t welcoming is the manager.
You will find almost anything you need at this store. What they don’t have they will be able to find the right thing for you. Need a new reed for your sax or strings for a guitar? You found the right place! Do you want to have a friendly conversation with the workers? Look elsewhere!
They hade grate survies but they take to long to answer the phone and they should stay opend till at least 11:00pm and they should open at 7:00
The place is nice. People there will like to show you products that you want to see. I recently bought a guitar there. Downside is I felt the brand I was looking for was not available but eventually I bought something entirely different. Whether you buy or not, definitely check out the store. 4 stars out of 5.
I wish I didn’t have to give a bad review.
I hate saying anything negative about a local music shop, especially one who normally does so well with its customers, but I had an experience with their repair shop that is disappointing enough to take my business elsewhere.
I brought in an old trombone for a dent repair on the bell side, which yes they repaired quickly and at a good price.
But in the process they tried to adjust the slide and ended up knocking it so out of alignment it couldn’t slide back into 1st position.
When I pointed it out the tech made an attempt to bend it back to its original shape but unfortunately that only made it worse. after a few weeks in the case like that it ended up stuck shut.
I when I called the shop to look for a solution the tech said it wouldn’t be as simple as bending it back to shape, and instead quoted me a price to redo the slide, which is more than a new trombone would set me back
if I brought in a broken instrument and left with a broken instrument I could just accept it as a lost cause, but the horn played fine when I brought it in and is the only one I have.
I just brought it in for a cosmetic dent repair and I did not ask for the slide to be touched at all.
now I have to find a new repair shop or a new trombone, either way, I am disappointed by the outcome.
I’ve never had a store raise its price on an instrument while I was holding it. The owner torn the tag so quickly I almost dropped the guitar. “miss priced” $295 to $795. Repair person joked I should have bought it while I had the chance. Super unprofessional.
sad i have to change my review, really wanted to like this store but after returning our bass we ended up with one with a broken neck pick up and electrical problems. it kept making cracking and popping while it was plugged in. needless to say we returned it and got our other one back. we fixed up the flaws ourselves but point being you guys need to pay attention to these pieces you’re selling and work on them before you sell them. don’t sell somebody something like that.
16. Tucson Music Co/Business Music
Address: 1019 S Euclid Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
Eduardo performed at our daughters recent wedding and it was the most beautiful guitar music I think I have ever heard. His music was the perfect accompaniment and it created the most beautiful atmosphere that I did not want it to end. Thank you, Eduardo, and I so look forward to the next time we are fortunate enough to hear you perform your music and thank you for playing such a special role in our daughter and her husbands celebration of love.
Dr. Costa is a wonderful and accomplished guitarist, and we love having him come to Madaras Gallery to the perform.
Eduardo has performed at two of our company events and not only is he professional, but a very nice person. If needed again, he will be the first person we call.
We had a terrible experience with Eduardo. I’m sure he’s an excellent guitarist and musician when it comes to sheet music that he’s already practiced and played before. But unfortunately, we asked for a custom song to walk down the aisle to.
First, we asked to hear how he stylized the custom song. But he charged us extra for us just hearing it before we walked the aisle — wouldn’t you want to be absolutely sure the song was perfect before the big day? We offered to review it quickly over a call or whatever worked best for his schedule, but he charged an unfair amount and is now using it as a way to promote/monetize himself.
Second, during the actual day and while we were walking down the aisle, he messed up the notes of the song we most cared about so we were really disappointed about it.
Lastly, it might seem like I’m nitpicking but we were nickel and dimed throughout the entire process of working with Eduardo. In fact, he played longer during our pre-ceremony (which we didn’t ask him to!) due to venue delays and he sent us an invoice for this extra charge while we were eating dinner. On our wedding day.
Like I said, I’m sure he’s great at sheet music but we were so disappointed when working with him. I do not recommend Eduardo for custom songs or those with a tight budget.
18. Instrumental Music Center Speedway
Address: 7063 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710 , Catalina Foothills , Arizona , United States
The energy in the store is amazing. A great selection with knowledgeable, helpful staff. A true music store.
Super friendly staff!
Nice people. Knowledgeable. Good selection of instruments. They have helped us out of a couple of jams with loaner clarinets and good advice.
Friendly staff, nice environment. 4 stars because they don’t carry enough tuba repertoire.
Selection of instruments was good, nice and friendly staff.
Cool little place. Very helpful staff and nice selection of different types of instruments
Had my violin taken in for string and bridge replacement because of old age. When given back they failed to consult if I wanted the gear pegs back on, nor did they fill my request of a new bridge. When taken to a second opinion they stated that the bridge was ready to collapse and was causing issue to the sound post.
Not pleased at all. I called ahead to get instruments repaired and was told it would be two weeks. I drove to drop off instruments and asked if I could have them done a few days sooner. I was told the repair person is taking a vacation and it would be 3 weeks. But, if I wanted to pay double, I could have it done sooner. What a scam! I will never do business with this music store.
